Your weekly roundup of funding news and deadlines from GrantTracker.
Funding News
Ads & North Down Borough Council: Multi Annual Arts Grants 2026-2028
Ards and North Down Borough Council’s Multi-Annual Arts Grant is offered every two years and supports arts organisations within the borough in creating programmes which benefit local residents. A maximum grant of £5,000 per annum is available. Opens for applications from 17 November 2025.
The Giving Machine: Community Grants
As a charity their mission is to provide funding opportunities for all good causes to ensure their sustainable future. The fund is intended to give small unrestricted grants to UK not-for-profit organisations to enable them to continue their work. Eight unrestricted grants of £250 are available in each quarter. Any UK based good cause with a turnover of less than £1m is eligible to apply such as registered charities, schools, CICs, CASCs, and other not for profits. Open until 31 October 2025.
VocTech Activate is their test bed where the first spark of an idea which could solve a vocational learning problem can be scoped and tested in the supportive environment that Ufi funding provides. They grant fund projects that are at a relatively early stage, helping to prototype ideas and work out the next steps necessary on the journey to long-term success. VocTech Activate provides grants of £30,000 to £60,000 for projects lasting between 3 to 12 months. Opens to applications 6 January 2026 and closes 5pm on 3 February 2026.
Community Foundation NI opens six Community Benefit Funds:
The Foundation are pleased to announce that the following funds have opened for applications: Long Mountain Community Benefit Fund, Thornog Community Benefit Fund, Brockaghboy Community Benefit Fund, and Rathsherry Community Benefit Fund. Funding up to £3000; closing 6 November 2025 at 1pm. The Micro Community Investment Fund offering up to £2,000 is also open (no deadline).
Paul Hamlyn Foundation announce Arts Fund not accepting new applications
Instead of opening for new applications, the Foundation will give out the same amount of funding through renewing existing grants and reconsidering applications received over the past year. Click link to find out more.
Upcoming Deadlines
Global’s Make Some Noise funds life changing projects delivered by small charities, making a real difference in communities across the UK. Organisations can apply for a maximum of £70,000 over 24 months for projects addressing their priority areas: Providing shelter and safety; Supporting physical and/or mental health; Developing life skills; and Reducing isolation or improving inclusion. Open to UK registered charities of at least 1 year old with 1 set of full submitted accounts and an annual income of approximately £30,000-£1 million. They do not encourage requests below £24,000. Expression of Interest deadline 4pm on 14 October 2025.
The Hospital Saturday Fund is a registered charity whose aims are to provide assistance for registered health charities, hospices, medical organisations and individuals with a medical condition or disability. They can provide grants for medical projects, care, research or support of medical training within the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland. Standard grants of up to £2,000 or €3,000. Standard grant deadline 5pm on 14 October 2025.
Arts Council NI: National Lottery Arts and Older People
The Arts & Older People Programme aims to strengthen the voice of older people and promote positive mental health and emotional wellbeing through the arts. The proposed projects should reflect the partnership approach with the target groups they plan to engage with and have the support from them in the delivery. Applicants should endeavour to build this into their project programme and budget. Grants from £1,000 to £10,000 are available. Deadline 12pm(noon) on 16 October 2025.
The National Garden Scheme: Community Gardens Grants
The National Garden Scheme set up this award scheme in memory of Elspeth Thompson, the much-loved garden writer and journalist who died in 2010. Eligible community garden projects from England, Wales and Northern Ireland are welcome to apply for grants of between £1,500 and £5,000. Deadline 12pm(noon) on 20 October 2025.
The Elephant Trust are committed to helping artists and institutions that depart from the routine and signal new, distinct and imaginative sets of possibilities. Priority is given to artists in the fine arts and small organisations and galleries who should submit well argued, imaginative proposals for making or producing new work or exhibitions. Grants have usually been limited to £2,000 but larger grants may be considered. Deadline midnight on 19 October 2025.
Fundraising Events & Training
Chartered Institute of Fundraising in Northern Ireland Autumn Forum
Tuesday, 4 November from 09:00 – 12:30 at NICVA, Belfast
This Forum will focus on two key areas of fundraising for the year ahead:
Navigating the New Fundraising Code - Gain insights into the updated Fundraising Regulator Code of Practice which will come into effect on 1 November. Learn practical guidance to ensure your fundraising is ethical, compliant, and effective. This session will give you the tools and confidence to build long-term supporter trust and maximise income growth.
Keeping Volunteers Inspired - Fundraisers and volunteers from PIPS, Cancer Fund for Children, and Mary’s Meals will share their best practices in recruiting, managing, and retaining volunteers. This session will provide practical tips and real-world insights to keep your volunteer teams engaged, motivated, and valued, strengthening your organisation’s impact.
Tickets: Members £14 / Non-members £20.
Latest Articles
Paul Hamlyn Foundation announce Arts Fund not accepting new applications
Instead of opening for new applications, the Foundation will give out the same amount of funding through renewing existing grants and reconsidering applications received over the past year. Click link to find out more.
Member Spotlight Community Restorative Justice Ireland (CRJI) Newry/Armagh
For over 25 years Community Restorative Justice Ireland Newry/Armagh has built a track record in community-based interventions, drawing from real-life experiences of positive transformation. They recently launched their Breaking the Cycle: Restorative Pathways for Women which received backing from Community Foundation Northern Ireland through their Thriving Futures Fund, enabling the three-year programme to move forward.
The Foundation launches new fund offering creative support for charities in Northern Ireland
Belfast-based design agency The Foundation has announced the launch of The Foundation Fund, offering 25 days of professional creative support to charities, community projects, and third-sector initiatives across Northern Ireland.
BBC Children in Need launch Communities for Children
BBC Children in Need have announced the launch of Communities for Children – the £15 million funding programme dedicated to tackling child poverty in the UK.
Rosa, the UK Fund for Women and Girls, launches new strategy
Rosa’s bold new three-year strategy, Creating lasting change for women and girls, aims to help them continue their mission to fund and champion the UK’s women and girls sector.
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